5 Best Things We Tasted in January 2024

Every month at the Sporked office is an exercise in pantry and fridge organization. We’re hoarders, and we try a lot of food. As products cycle in and out of the office, we take note of the yummiest things we try. And now we’re rounding up the best of the best to give you a list of five standout items that really changed our lives (and carts) in January!

El Monterey Taquitos: Extra Crunchy Taco Seasoned Beef & Cheese

We are no strangers to the wonders of El Monterey Taquitos, and these extra crunchy taco beef and cheese taquitos were no exception. Many brands skimp on cheese, but these are so cheesy. And the crunch on that tortilla makes you forget they were ever frozen. Are you struggling to make friends in adulthood? I’ve got a simple fix: Throw a party, invite a bunch of people, and serve these. There, now you have friends. You’re welcome.

Read more about the best frozen taquitos

Mama Cozzi’s Uncured Pepperoni Cauliflower Crust Pizza

This Mama Cozzi’s pizza was phenomenal—further proof that gluten-free pizza is really having a moment right now. The cauliflower crust was thick and flavorful, almost identical to a traditional pizza dough. Seriously, we were shocked it was gluten free. If you tried it without reading the label, we doubt you’d be able to tell. Stay tuned to see where it comes in on the update of our best gluten-free frozen pizza ranking.

Absolut Grapefruit Paloma

The best drink we tried this Dry January (oops!) goes to the Absolute Grapefruit Paloma. It may come from a can, but it tastes like a summer specialty cocktail at a nice restaurant. That’s because the grapefruit has no trace of artificial flavor. With a soft pink hue and fizz, it tastes as light-bodied and refreshing as it looks.

Andrew Zimmern Swedish Meatballs

Celebrity chef and TV food critic Andrew Zimmern created the best frozen Swedish meatballs we’ve ever tried here at Sporked. Perhaps you remember a little TV show called Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern? Well, I guess 13 seasons of eating the world’s weirdest foods really primes you to make yummy traditional dishes. The meatballs cut like butter, the al dente egg noodles were cooked to perfection (not a soggy noodle in sight), and the sauce was creamy, savory, and packed with flavor. 

ABC+ Trout Fillets in Curry Sauce

So, we’re recommending a canned fish that costs $20? Are we totally insane? Yes to both questions. ABC+ is a small-scale brand from Portugal that sources local ingredients (these trout fillets are from Rio Coura) and sustainably packages some of the most delectable, richly flavored tinned fish we’ve ever tasted. We would not put these on your radar if they weren’t worth the splurge. 


About the Author

Ariana Losch

Ariana Losch is a Sporked contributor, webcomic writer, java junkie, and bad TV enthusiast. She only ever feels at peace laying out on a beach like a kebab, roasting in the sun; sadly, she can never move back to Florida, her home state, because there simply isn’t enough good Mediterranean food. You can find her overstaying her welcome at just about every LA coffee shop, working on a screenplay and avoiding all eye contact. (She is embarrassed to be there, please leave her alone.)